Ivey League MMA: Severna Park, MD

Ivey League MMA where "Winning isn't everything but wanting to is." is a little hard to find at first, located behind a bowling alley between a bakery and a pet supply store. But don't let its location fool you Danny Ives has started a school that consistently puts out high quality fighters who attend local tournaments on a regular basis.

Danny Ives head instructors resume;

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu BLACK Belt through Lloyd Irvin

2001 Pan-American Games Champion, Purple Belt Pena

15x NAGA Champion

3x NAGA Superfight champion

Grapplers Quest Gold Medalist

Grapplemania Gold Medalist

3x Copa Atlantica Gold Medalist

Mission Submission Gold Medalist

US Grappling Games Gold Medalist

Ego Challenge Gold Medalist

Victory At Valley Forge Superfight champion

Midwest Grappling challenge superfight champion

The gym is open everyday of the week with evening classes every weekday, morning classes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and an open gym on Sunday. Classes are set with a semi-planned curriculum and are mixed throughout the week to give students a wide variety of choices. The classes are MMA basics, BJJ basics w/gi, No gi basics, Muay Thai basics, and Combat Gold(competition team), along with kids classes from 1730-1830 weekdays.

The quality of the students is very high, and the requirements for belts are even higher. Today(5/9/10) Danny gave only the third BJJ blue belt since starting Ivey League two years ago. He has yet to promote anybody above blue belt. There are no test or belt fees.

Gym size is a little small, but you usually don't trip over anyone else unless grapplers get a little carried away and start throwing each other. The floors and walls are well padded in the main training area with punching/kicking bags, a stationary bike and free weights in the back.

I'd suggest this school for anyone looking for a martial arts school. Classes are relaxed and friendly while not sacrificing training. while there is enough live training to leave you as limp as rag doll afterwords, the emphasis is on technique, proper body mechanics, and the nuances of moves that separate the street brawlers from the artists.

Ivey League is the epitome of what I want in a martial arts studio. If this sounds like you, give a try. Come on, how many schools are so confidant that they will deliver what you need that not only do they offer the first 30 days free, but he offers a 60 day money back guarantee.